Lone Pine Campground sits in high desert sagebrush at the base of Mt. Whitney, offering direct views of the Sierra Nevada's granite peaks from your campsite. The 44-site campground caters primarily to RV campers but includes tent sites and one group site, all arranged around a single loop with minimal shade. It's the staging ground for Whitney Portal access, just 7 miles from the Mt. Whitney trailhead.
Campground Details
- ⛺Type
- Group
- 🏕️Total Sites
- 44
- 💵Fee per Night
- $34
- 📋Reservations
- Reservation Required
- 🏔️Elevation
- 5,800 ft
- 📍GPS
- 36.59761, -118.18481
- 🌤️Best Seasons
- spring, fall
- 🐾Pets Allowed
- Yes
- 📞Phone
- 760-937-6070
- 🗺️Address
- CA
Amenities
The Camp
The campground sprawls across open desert terrain alongside Lone Pine Creek, where sagebrush dominates the landscape and shade is scarce. Sites circle a single loop with little privacy between neighbors—a trade-off for the unobstructed granite views that stretch across the eastern Sierra. At 6,000 feet elevation, the setting delivers clear sightlines to surrounding peaks, with spring wildflowers adding bursts of color to the otherwise muted desert palette.
RV campers make up the bulk of visitors here, though a handful of tent-only sites provide options for those without wheels. One group site accommodates up to 15 people. The exposed setting means wind can be a factor, and the lack of natural windbreaks makes site selection important for tent campers.
What to Know
Bear activity runs high in this area—securing food properly isn't optional. The campground provides bear boxes, but visitors need to stay vigilant about clean camping practices.
Firewood is available for purchase on-site, which helps since the surrounding desert doesn't offer much in the way of fallen timber. For showers, you'll need to drive 8 miles west to the Portal Store—something to factor into your planning.
Reservations are required, and the campground's proximity to Whitney Portal means demand runs heavy during hiking season.
Nearby
The Mt. Whitney trailhead sits just 7 miles away, making this a natural base camp for those attempting the highest peak in the continental United States. Access to Mt. Whitney requires lottery permits for experienced hikers, but the John Muir Wilderness offers plenty of other entry points via nearby trails.
The National Recreation Trail provides an easier option, connecting the campground directly to Whitney Portal and its picnic area and fishing pond. Lone Pine Creek also offers trout fishing opportunities right from camp, along with additional angling at the nearby pond.